Three Hawks soar to state tourney

Not one, not two, but three Woodward-Granger Hawks grapplers punched their ticket to the state tournament in Des Moines.

Tanner Vermaas, senior, Auston Scharlau, junior, and Cody Fisher, freshman, extended their 2016-2017 wrestling season with wins at the district tourney in Webster City.

With some state tournament experience under his belt, the 182-pound Vermaas (45-2) led the trio with two straight overwhelming victories.

The second ranked Hawk, wasted little time with his semifinal opponent. Vermaas needed just 65 seconds for the pinfall win versus Philip Minkler of Pocahontas.

Then in his finals match, he outperformed Mason Carpenter of Clarion-Goldfield-Dows by a tune of 7-0 for the decision victory.

“I would say that I put even more work in training during off season, having extra practices, more time in the weight room and definitely in better shape,” Vermaas said. “Goals are sure a lot higher this year. Been way more disciplined this season being a senior and having experience. Sights are set on the top spot.”

Fisher, who finished with a 43-5 record, was simply dominant in his 195-pound weight class. He first pinned Dalton Mennenga of Clear Lake a minute and 36 seconds into the second period.

He then followed it up with a 99-second pinfall victory in the finals against Webster City’s Caleb Olson.

The third Hawk, Scharlau (40-16), needed a little help to ensure he joined his teammates at state.

In his semifinal match, the 152-pounder recorded a close 6-4 decision win over Dakota Henninger of Clarion-Goldfield-Dows.

Scharlau then lost a 5-2 decision finals match versus Humboldt’s Jaden Kampen. However because of Henninger defeated his next opponent, by ‘rule’ Scharlau qualified for the state tournament.

The trio now has only a few days to prepare for state as it kicks of this Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Arena.